Y&R's Christmas Episode Shows That Its Emotional Heart Is Back And Beating Strong!

Watching Friday’s Christmas episode of The Young and the Restless reminds us how attention to the characters we love, their dynamics with each other, and how subtle moments played can resonate with its longtime and faithful viewers.

Under head writer Sally Sussman’s leadership, the writing of the series has already gotten back to some of the reasons that made Y&R a classic in the first place. On this holiday installment, the Newmans gather for their annual gathering with Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) hoping both her sons: Dylan (Steve Burton) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) will both attend. Unfortunately, Sharon (Sharon Case) and Dylan decide to sit this out, because of the volatile situation around Christian. When the two are together, they lament that they both have a secret – they have each been carrying a photo of “Sully” aka Christian with them. It’s a wistful time for Sharon and Dylan and touchingly played by Sharon Case and Steve Burton.

While Nick and Sharon’s daughter, Faith (Alyvia Alyn Lind) has decided to for now live with Nikki and Victor (Eric Braeden), Christmas is just lonely for Sharon and Dylan without kids around. In another touching moment while at the Newman gathering, Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) misses Adam. Victor sees she is very sad, and reveals that he misses Adam, too. Then in another emotional moment for longtime viewers, the unbreakable bond between Victor and Nick is shown through two examples 1) Nick harkeing back to when he was a young boy how he loved listening to his dad tell the Christmas story, and still does. 2) In a flashback, Victor lifted him young Nick up to put the star on the tree, which is something In 2016, Nick did with his daughter, Faith.

Many major characters were part of this episode including: Billy (Jason Thompson) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle), who are happy to see each other, no matter how they try to protest. Cane (Daniel Goddard) even gave an olive branch to Billy to put aside their differences for the day, as he understands how much Billy misses his childen. We even had a lovely moment between Billy and his mother, Jill, played wonderfully by Thompson and Jess Walton.

However, it was the final moments of the episode that may have made viewers reach for the hankies. That was when Nick decides the right thing to do on Christmas Eve is to bring Christian over to see Dylan and Sharon. The scene when he walks through the front door and hands Christian to Dylan while Sharon is filled with tears, capped a well-written holiday broascast.

So, what did you think of Y&R’s Christmas episode? What was your favorite moment during it? Comment below.

Leave a Reply

Kevin C

Excellent, Superb. It’s so wonderful to see Y&R return to what it should be. I loved the whole show but the ending with Nick taking Christian over to see Sharon and Dylan was the icing on the cake. THANKS again to Sally and Kay, us fans so appreciate what both of you have done since your return to Y&R.

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December 23, 2016 8:28 pm

su0000

OK- being honest. Y&R is good, I love it BUT- The dialogue has been overly lame sappy campy in the Christmas scenes, and the phoney laughing was funny, actually.. I had some chuckles over it. As long as I can get a chuckle or two from the campy sappy dialogue, I’m good with it.

I read a Harlequin love book, whatever their purpose was, once. And I had book flashbacks of the dialogue of the book and Y&R, these days.

Y&R is great— but a big GGGEEEEZUS for the campy sappy over done giggly laffy phoney Christmas stuff LOL ..

(sorta missing Pratt) but still luvin Y&R..

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December 23, 2016 8:35 pm

davlestev1

GOOD GAWD AMIGHTY CHILD. Did you bump Yo haid???

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December 23, 2016 9:48 pm

su0000

Merry Christmas, davlestev1 ..

No, I did not bump my head so I can’t use it as an excuse lol .. That type of gooey sap dialogue is just Not Natural Speak .. It’s too Cutesie.

Genoa City is Dullsville.. Nothing going on that would be considered as gripping drama yeah know something a bit suspenseful or even exciting . At the least, they could unleash Krampus!

We’ll all have `Watcher Diabetes` from an overdose of Christmas sugar. Soaps ARE drama and at the present, Y&R is greatly lacking in delivering it..

But– I’m still luvin’ Y&R ..

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December 23, 2016 11:37 pm

toscanti

I’ll second that! Miss Pratt? you’ve got to be joking!

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December 24, 2016 5:34 am

Addison

suoo, I wish you’d look up the word “sappy” because you don’t seem to be clear on its meaning. You were correct when you used to praise RC’s campy writing on GH. Now that was camp. Back then you used “campy” as compliment and now you seem to use it as an insult. But unless you’re counting the fabulous Gloria, Y&R is not utilizing camp right now. It is currently grounding their characters back into reality and writing them in character rather than out of character. Is Y&R kind of sappy right now? Yes, but I prefer to say it is sentimental.. But campy? No.

There is all types of camp like the B-Westerns are cheesy campy. Japanese science fiction films such as Rodan are pure exaggerated camp. And, the difference between “naive” and “deliberate” camp… like; naive camp is tasteless deliberate camp.. A fav is Mommie Dearest that was attempting to produce a serious movie that wound up unintentionally comedic dark camp lol The Superman movie #1 Superman was screwball campy !! And Yuck camp like- Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Female Trouble, Polyester, Cecil B. Demented etc.. More and different campy– Batman probably the first Super Hero television campiness, and the original Star Trek. And- The Munsters, The Addams Family pure screwball camp and exaggerated comedy like Get Smart was Yuk Camp. There is people/persons camp like- Divine, RuPaul, Paul Lynde, and Liberace Campy . And– “cheesy” camp and ”sappy” camp.. exaggerated Drama camp. There are all types of camp.. more- Some fans describe Dark Shadows as totally serious horror-driven program, while others loved it for the Exaggeration and hidden humour. It is true camp, ”Drama” camp. and– Some soap scenes are like the Simpsons camp’ to be tragically ludicrous or ludicrously tragic.. lol

“camp” can always be interpreted in at least two ways and the Y&R Christmas stuff is pure ”sappy” camp… I do think that some soaps do campy but I don’t think any soap does it all the time.. It is all the charms of a soap opera..

MERRY CHRISMAS!!

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December 24, 2016 3:55 pm

Addison

Merry Christmas to you, Miss SUOO!

And I stand corrected. I meant you need to look up the word “campy” not “sappy” While I love Y&R’s sentimentality, I can totally understand why you might call it sappy. As you young folks say, my bad.

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December 24, 2016 11:45 pm

Meg Reddekopp

Y&R HAS ALREADY GOTTEN BETTER .SO GLAD PRATT’S GONE.

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December 24, 2016 9:15 pm

Gina

Goodness suOOO, What do you want? More plane crashes, fires, explosions??? I’m SO over the Pratt crap. He and Jill Firing Phelps couldn’t have left sooner. Can I ask you a question? How long have you been watching Y&R? This was a well written Christmas episode. The way they used to be. Please stop whining. Do you want JFP and Pratt back!!!

Dear Michael Fairman.. Have a great Christmas or Holiday! Wishing you JOY, LOVE, and HAPPY HAPPY food and gifts! God Bless ..

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December 23, 2016 9:12 pm

Mark Y

Merry Christimas Su!

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December 24, 2016 5:57 am

Jamesj75

That was very sweet of you, su0000! Wishing you and your loved ones as well as all the other terrific people posting at this site and site moderators a wonderful holiday season!

Take care, Friends! 🙂

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December 24, 2016 8:03 pm

me

The show is actually uncomfortable to watch now (if you can stay awake through the boredom that is). The horrible dialogue, the cringe-worthy “acting” (will Steve Burton’s face crack if he ever changes his expression?), the endless scenes about…nothing. This show has reverted to the 80s, and that is not a good thing.

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December 24, 2016 2:40 am

Addison

Well, I most respectfully disagree. If it has reverted back to the 80’s, it’s in order to go back to the characters and their histories. I feel Sally Sussman is putting the chest pieces (Lauren and Michael back in their apartment with Gloria, Esther back at the Chancellor mansion as a maid, etc).back in their rightful positions in order to propel move the characters forward. Yes, I shall use an over used phrase because it’s appropriate–what you will have in 2017 will be well written character driven stories. Maybe the repair period is dull for you but fasted your seat belts, the subsequent days will be a bumpy and fun ride. I am afraid I do agree with you about Buurton. I think he’s a good actor it’s just they keep putting him in these cringe worthy situations where all he can do is sit there frowning like Charlie Brown on Christmas. It’s hard to watch him.

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December 24, 2016 12:32 pm

Kevin C

Addison, good response.

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December 24, 2016 4:03 pm

Newmanwins

Me is right.

Y&R has felt like total filler material and endless long chatting about nothing.

I will start calling her Snoozefest Sally if the boring episodes and slow pace continue into Jan.

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December 24, 2016 2:11 pm

su0000

hi Newmanwins and Me..

I agree with both of you.. Y&R is imo reverting back to the snooze fest of Jean and Shelly’s writing.

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December 25, 2016 12:41 am

Mary SF

IMO this episode proves you don’t need computer viruses, super evil villains or look a likes taking over a life– to have drama– yes it is a more subtle form of drama– but the whole episode although focus on the holiday the undercurrents were all there– who is Bella’s father– the tension between two brothers, a family struggling with forgiveness, torn between a life time of love and deep hurt- financial worries- dealing with profound loss and so many other conflicts and secrets– all there as everyone gathered to celebrate. And drama is authentic– could be happening to any of us– a fight between spouses (Devon and Hilary) dealing with misbehaving children (Victoria and her kids at the coffee house)- a child tracking Santa journey on the computer (Faith)– the traditions kept (Newman’s) the traditions broken (the Abbott’s)– there was a lot going on– but it isn’t thrown in your face like plot driven drama– this kind of drama you actually have to paid attention to, listen to the words being said and what is not being said–

It was truly a Merry Christmas for soap viewers—looking forward to a better New Year in soaps as well.

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December 24, 2016 7:56 am

Kevin C

I agree Mary SF…and this is just the beginning…From the past several years, I think we need a little down time for the holidays then after the first of the year I know that things will heat up.

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December 24, 2016 12:41 pm

Nikki

Amen Mary you said it so well.

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December 24, 2016 3:22 pm

Iakovos

Well said! I watched my DVDs of ATWT Xmas episodes and was struck how daytime dramas, inc Y&R, really made the most of the holiday and their characters to tell stories. Y&R has launched a strong reboot and I am amazed how the new writers are able to move us past the train wreck of tales we have endured in the last decade. I am excited for 2017.

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December 26, 2016 5:42 pm

rocky83

Couldn’t have said it better, 2me it’s a snoozeeeee….

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December 24, 2016 11:52 am

Addison

I agree with all the positive comments about the new direction Y&R is taking. It feels like going home and right now Y&R is reminding me a little bit of OLTL and that is a good thing. My only quibble is I think the character of Faith is a petulant, spoiled little brat. For the love of all that is Holy, can someone please stand up to Rhoda, er, I mean Faith, and tell her that she will live where her parents tell her to live. She ditches poor Dylan and Sharon on Christmas and you see her gleefully being spoiled by her grandparents during Christmas. She never once stops to worry about her mother and Dylan who have not only lost Sully, they’ve lost her too.

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December 24, 2016 12:37 pm

Addison

Footnote: MY Rhoda joke alludes to an old movie called “The Bad Seed.” Rhoda was the name of the evil little girl.

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December 26, 2016 10:28 am

Newmanwins

Other than a few cool flashbacks and some nice nods to history, Sally’s first three weeks have been very boring and slow paced episodes, and so far her writing style doesn’t look like there will be much riveting compelling drama in 2017. Y&R has literally nothing interesting on the horizon going into Feb sweeps, since Sally says we don’t need Adam back and therefore the Chloe reveal is being shelved, and her first three weeks in Dec and her preview for the month of Jan wasn’t and doesn’t sound like entertaining soap.

Sally’s idea of exciting reveals and worthy cliffhangers are the following….

Mariah tripping and falling on live television, Summer’s birthday party at the underground, Phyllis dying her hair blond, Faith running away, Victoria and Billy breaking inventory while giggling like idiots, and Devon and Hillary moving to a penthouse.

Where is the drama? Where is the buildup to something? Not the most entertaining headwriter .

Pratt was never boring and had improved under Mal’s watch.

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December 24, 2016 1:55 pm

Nikki

On Faith, I agree with you Addison. I think she’s acting out like a spoiled brat. I’m also fed up with Nick. As some may think what he did was a kind jester, I think was mean. He walks into the house lets Dylan hold the baby then all goes back to the way it was. I can’t wait until Nick (the other spoiled brat) finds out Christian isn’t his. Nick darn well knows that Nikki & Victor treat her like rubbish so she won’t get to see Faith much but he stands there and does nothing because he can go over whenever he wants too. Faith needs to be told she’s going on the schedule they made up PERIOD. Victor & Nikki need to respect what the parents say and butt out and Faith needs to learn how lucky she is to have parents who love her. A lot of kids only wish to have a family to go home to. JMO

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December 24, 2016 3:31 pm

Nikki

Meant to say Nick knows Victor & Nikki treat Sharon like rubbish.

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December 24, 2016 3:34 pm

Addison

Yes, Miss Nikki, and yet they referred to Nick acting like a human being for one split second as a “Christmas Miracle.” Okay, I guess I do have some complaints about Y&R.

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December 24, 2016 11:47 pm

elm1951

you will probably be waiting a long time for the reveal of christian’s biological father because the new head writer already said it will not be revealed for a good while if ever……………..

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December 25, 2016 2:21 am

jaybird369

Nikki…BOTH EXACTLY AND THANK YOU!!!!! At this point, Nick is nothing but A SELF-RIGHTEOUS MORON!!!!! Watching that BUFFOON Nick is like watching Victor #2 (or whatever)!!!!! Beyond ick.

Later, Nikki.

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December 27, 2016 7:14 am

Judy A Brown

I wasn’t expecting this from Nick it really shows what kind of man he really is.

Nick your such a sweetheart to take Christian to see Sharron and Dillon you didn’t have to.

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December 24, 2016 5:07 pm

k/kay

He is a absolute flaming a hole

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December 26, 2016 7:50 pm

Meg Reddekopp

LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT SALLYS GOING TO DO WITH SHARON .AFTER THE CRAP SHES BEEN THROUGH THE PAST YEARS.

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December 24, 2016 9:17 pm

Soapluv2010

Y&R is nap time. The 80’s were great…in the 80’s. This is an entirely different century and rehashed 30 year old plots acted by actors doing the same things thirty years later has no appeal except for those who’ve been around long enough to be nostalgic. Pratt WAS bad. I’ve seen nothing so far to suggest soapy Sally is any better. Most of Sussman’s favorite characters have been totally trashed and having them sit around looking regretful doesn’t change that. It will take real skill and smart, 21st century story-telling to fix this mess for the present. The future should not ever be a dusted off rerun of the past IF relevance is the goal and the key demo matters. Sorry Sally. Fuzzy wuzzy memory lane is coma inducing. Even Days is much more interesting. Get out of the time machine and join us for 2017. Otherwise, NEXT!!

In major developments in the last several hours, Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon, Empire) turned himself in to Chicago police early Thursday morning, just hours after he was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself late in January on the streets in Chicago.

In a press conference currently being conducted by the CPD supervisor, Eddie Johnson and Commander Edward Wodnick, they revealed that Smollett turned himself in quietly and without issue. In addition, the Chicago PD are outlining the events and timeline that led to Smollett’s arrest.

Smollett turned himself in at the Central District police station in Chicago at 5 a.m., police reported. Thursday morning, Smollett was scheduled to appear for a bail hearing Thursday at 1:30pm central time on a felony charge of a class 4 disorderly conduct, and with that charge Smollett could face up to 1.5 years in prison.

Jussie’s attorney’s released the following statement on Wednesday night after Smollett was charged by the Chicago PD: “Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.”

Smollett reported that he has been attacked as he was walking home around. He claimed two masked men shouted racist and homophobic slurs as they beat him, put a noose around his neck, and poured a chemical on to him.

Enter two brothers, Ola and Abel Osundairo, who Smollett knew, who were arrested last week, but later released as suspects. The two brothers told police they helped stage the attack with Smollett. They were paid $3,500 to orchestrate the attack by Smollett. In their press conference, the Chicago PD revealed that they have the check as evidence were Smollett paid the brothers that sum.

The brothers left for Nigeria hours after the attack, and were arrested days later when they returned to Chicago. On Wednesday, they testified to a grand jury. Smollett was later charged with disorderly conduct.

What do you think now about the events and the arrest of Jussie Smollett? Comment below! But first watch the Chicago PD police department.live feed of the press conference on Smollett’s arrest.

Thad Luckinbill Back Taping At The Young and the Restless

February 21, 2019

Well, well, well! Look who is back on set at The Young and the Restless! Thad Luckinbill, who is presumed dead as J.T. Hellstrom, was seen walking around the sound stages at CBS Television City on Wednesday.

Denise Richards Joins The Cast Of The Bold and the Beautiful

February 20, 2019

Looks Like Denise Richards will be pulling double duty! After recently joining the new season of Bravo’s hit reality show franchise, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the actress has also joined CBS Daytime’s The Bold and the Beautiful.

In casting news out of PEOPLE.com, Richards is set to play Flo’s mom (Katrina Bowden), Shauna Fulton.

Richards is joining B&B in a contract role. What we do know from the series EP and head writer, Brad Bell as told to PEOPLE: “Shauna is a fun-loving, hard-working single mother from Las Vegas who aspires to live life to its absolute fullest. She heads for Los Angeles when she learns that her daughter, Florence ‘Flo’, the pride and joy of her life, is entangled in a complicated situation. However, Shauna’s involvement won’t stop there. She’s got a past and big secrets to spill.”

Look for Denise to start her B&B adventure taping all-new episodes this Friday with her debut on April 3.

In the meantime you can catch Richards on RHOBH as their season kicked-off last week on February 12th.

So, what do you think of the addition of Denise Richards to The Bold and the Beautiful? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.